Christmas Tree Tips

 

 

The Christmas Tree How-To Guide

So it's that time of year again, time to start planning that grand centerpiece of your home holiday decorating! Although a Christmas tree is usually the source of much pleasure and joy, there are some important things to consider and later remember, if it is not to become a nuisance or worse!

Your first decision is obviously whether to go with a real, or an artificial, tree.

Although at one time, artificial trees were rather phony in appearance, today many of them look quite convincing. Some are even made to simulate a particular species, such as Appalachian Fur or ponderosa pine. A few of the  advantages of artificial trees are, they are quicker and easier to set up, they don't shed needles or bark chips, they are  often allowed in apartments and condominiums where real trees aren't permitted, and generally they require less in the way of care and precautions. Some disadvantages are, they require a place in which they can be stored during the eleven months of the Christmas off season, They tend to get dusty over time and will require an occasional going over with a vacuum cleaner. and they don't give you that evergreen smell, which is so much a part of Christmas time for many.

There is a long running debate over whether real or artificial trees are best for the environment. Some argue that growing vast numbers of natural trees on farms contribute to the greening of the planet, and help combat greenhouse gasses, whereas artificial trees use up materials like metal and plastic. On the other hand, some maintain that tree farms should be left to revert to natural woodlands, that disposal of all those real trees after Christmas is over presents burning and landfill problems, and that artificial trees are used again and again, not just once. It should be said However, that today many jurisdictions provide for the collection of real trees after the Holidays, and see to it that they are converted into things like mulch and fertilizer for local parks, or for sale to gardeners. In the end, this, like so many environmental questions, is very complicated, and any real consensus on which is the "green" way to go, is unlikely any time soon.

If you decide on an artificial tree, it is a good idea to give it a good going over with a Vacuum cleaner, either right before it is decorated, or just before it is packed away after the holidays. If this isn't done, an artificial tree will get quite dusty, since it is of course used year after year instead of just once.

Naturally one consideration is the species or simulated species of tree you prefer. In North America the most common types of Christmas trees are pines, spruces and furs.

Pine trees have relatively long needles which grow in clusters along the branches. The red pine has long, flexible dark green needles. It is native to South-East Canada, New England, Northern Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia. It retains its needles from four to six weeks. The white pine has soft blue green needles about eight centimeters (some three inches) long. It grows along the Pacific Coast of North America, South-East Canada and throughout the North-Eastern United States. However, it doesn't travel well. The Scotch pine has stiff blue green needles which usually stay on from four to six weeks. It is grown on the Pacific Coast, the Eastern provinces of Canada and the North-Eastern U.S. Note that  some varieties of Scotch pine do not have straight stems.

Unlike other species that must be pruned, spruces grow naturally in the conical shape of a Christmas tree. In colors they range from dark green to bright blue. Their needles which occur singly along the branch are short, stiff and sharply pointed. Of the three types of trees, pine, spruce and fur, cut spruces have the poorest needle retention. They tend to shed their needles very quickly in warm rooms. Spruces can be found in mountainous regions of North America. Both the Norway spruce and the red spruce have a good Christmas tree shape and dark green needles. The red spruce is native to the North-Eastern United States. The White spruce has blue green needles that have a strong odor if crushed.

Freshly cut fur trees have excellent needle retention, and for that reason, they make especially good Christmas trees! However, if they have been cut and then shipped long distances, they will loose their needles in a temperate room. The fragrant needles are blunt ended, flat and soft to the touch. The Balsam fur grows in Eastern Canada and North-Eastern portions of the United States. Its branches are horizontal and rigid, and it has a good pyramidal shape. The white fur grows in the Western United States. The Douglas is not a true fur tree, despite its name. Its Fragrant
Blue green needles are Densely set along the branch. It grows in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to Mexico, and it is a favorite Christmas tree in the Pacific North-West.

Some people decide to go with a living tree, with an idea of planting it in the garden afterward. Such living trees require special attention. In general, they should be kept in the home for as short a time, and in as cool a setting, as possible. Also the lights on it should be rather few in number, and lit sparingly. It is a real stress for a tree, to suddenly be taken from a winter environment, into summer like conditions, and then back into a winter environment again. Having an evergreen tree in the garden to remind one of Christmas past is nice, but not if the tree simply dies in the following months. Another point to keep in mind with respect to living trees, is that of course they must still have their roots intact. These roots are usually tightly wrapped in strong canvas or burlap, and must be moist to begin with, and kept moist constantly. This makes an overall tree very heavy indeed, much more than a cut one! Therefore one or two big strong people must be on hand to move it into and out of the home. Spruces make ideal live Christmas trees. They are quite hardy and least likely to suffer from the indoor to outdoor temperature changes. If you plan to plant the tree in the spring, find a sheltered spot where you can store it when the festivities are over. Pack the root ball in straw and plant it when the ground has thawed.

Whether you choose a real or an artificial tree, there are some sensible precautions one should take. Although some of these measures are not strictly necessary with an artificial tree, many of them are good habits to get into. Even if you don't intend to use a real tree now, you may decide upon one In the future, and if you are already used to taking the needed safety precautions they demand, so much the better. Such precautionary measures include, never leaving the lights on if there's no one at home, or if everyone is in bed, and keeping the tree away from heat sources like sunny windows, fire places and radiators. Artificial trees should bear a mark, such as the Underwriters’ Laboratory label, which indicates that the product has been rigorously tested for safety. Never use electric lights on metal trees. To avoid electric shock on metal trees, use colored spotlights securely mounted above or below the tree, never fastened directly on it. Plastic trees should be made of fire resistant material. This does not mean that the tree will not burn, but only that it will not catch fire easily. Again, as with natural trees, keep away from heat sources.
 

Regarding natural trees: The two key things to remember are that heat is the enemy, and moisture is the friend of your tree. When buying a natural tree, examine the ones at the Christmas tree lot carefully. Examine the physical features like the length of the needles, the strength of the branches, their ability to retain their needles, and their aroma. Check to see that they have a good moisture content. The more moist a tree is, the more resistant it is to fire. There are some simple tests you can perform right in the tree lot. Draw the end of a branch through your fingers. The needles should slide through without coming off. Bang the stump end sharply on the ground. A freshly cut tree will not lose its outside green needles. It is normal for some of the inside needles of a pine tree to fall off. if a great many needles fall, the tree is too dry. Fold a needle back until the tip touches the stem to make a circle. If it breaks, or does not bounce back, chances are the tree is old and dry. In very cold weather, hold the needle in the palm of your hand so it can thaw before trying this test. Do not rely on the tree color, many are sprayed green. Remember, the later a tree is cut, the better. A tree is most likely to be fresh if it is grown locally. Of course your best guarantee of a fresh tree is to cut it yourself. Although few people can simply go into the forest to find one, as our ancestors did, many tree farms will allow you to go out among the growing trees, and select and cut one for a preset price. Once a tree is brought home, it should be kept in a cool, and not too dry place, away from wind, sun and heat, until it is time to put it up inside the home. Merely leaving it in a sheltered place outside is often best. As the Holiday Season draws to a close, you must dispose of the tree when needles begin to fall off in large quantities.

Of course appearance is important. For this reason, one should have a good look all around any tree one is considering. A tree that looks grand on one side, may look quite mangy on the other. If you find such a tree however, and the nasty looking side isn't too wide, that side can be turned to face the wall or the corner. On the other hand, if the tree will be seen from just about all angles, it should look good all around. As well, make sure that the end of the trunk without branches, is long enough to reach down to the bottom of the pale or bucket in which it will rest. Sometimes people find it necessary to remove a fine looking branch or two, in order that the tree may sit properly and steadily in its place.

The next step is selecting a place for the tree. Although finding a spot where it will be visible from as many vantage points as possible, is a consideration, most important are the safety concerns. Some places a tree should never go are, anywhere near a doorway or fire exit, a fireplace if there is any chance at all that it will be used during the Holidays, near any heat source like a hot air vent, an electric register or a radiator, or, any place where the sun could shine on it through a window.

Next come the preparations for bringing in the tree. The first step is naturally to rearrange the furniture to accommodate the new addition to the room. If you are using an artificial tree, there remains only setting it up with its own stand. You can set it directly on the floor, or if the ceiling is high enough, you might want to consider placing it on a sturdy box or low table. Even 30 to 60 centimeters [a foot or two] in extra height, can make a real difference in how impressive it looks. If you are going with a natural tree, you will first need a bucket, a good 40 to 45 centimeters [about 15 to 18 inches] deep, and wide enough to accommodate the trunk with plenty to spare. You will next need a good number of smooth rocks of various sizes. Both the bucket and rocks should be thoroughly washed without soap before use. This will insure that the water in which the tree is to stand, will be clean. Before bringing a cut tree into the home, give it a good shake. The next step is to cut a slice off of the end of the trunk, just a thin piece of 3 or 4 centimeters (an inch or two) need be removed. A fresh cut will make sure that the millions of tiny water carrying tubes just under the bark, will have open ends, and will be able to freely take up the all-important moisture into the limbs, twigs and needles. Be certain that the cut is not exactly 90 degrees, but rather is at a slight angle. This will insure that the end of the trunk, and the ends of the water carrying tubes are not all pressed down against the bottom of the bucket. Next place the trunk into the bucket and check to see that the end of the trunk can touch the bottom. One or two of the lowermost branches may have to be removed in order that the tree can sit in the bucket properly, if the trunk isn't long enough to begin with.

Now comes what is really a two person job. Place the trunk into the bucket, making sure that it is right in the center of the pale. place a rock or two around the trunk, then check  to see that the tree is standing up straight. Repeat this procedure over and over until the bucket can hold no more rocks. Do check frequently how well the tree is standing. It's much easier to see to this detail now, than it will be when all rocks are in place. While putting the rocks into the bucket, put one on one side of the trunk, and then one on the other. Don't make the mistake of putting a bunch of rocks on one side of the trunk. This will tend to shove the tree to one side of the bucket. Also, use a mixture of rock sizes as you go, working the smaller stones in between the larger ones. This will insure that the tree is held fast. No  one wants to have a tree suddenly fall over, right in the middle of a Holiday celebration!

Now fill the pale with water, almost to the brim. Remember to check the water level daily, and keep the level topped up as needed, during the whole Christmas season. At this point it is a good idea to mist the tree with a fine spray all over. From time to time during the Holidays this should be done as well. Always remember however, this must never be done while the lights are on, or just before they are to be turned on! The best procedure is to mist the tree after the lights are turned out for the night, and just before the last person goes to bed. This will give all the moistened surfaces plenty of time to dry thoroughly thus guarding against electric shock. Another excellent idea is to turn down the heat for the night, a good idea at all times during the home heating season. The cooler the home, the better it is for the tree.

When selecting light strings, make sure they are C.S.A. or A.s.A. approved. If you are using lights you already have, be sure to examine them with care each year before use, to make certain they are in good condition. Inspect them for broken or cracked sockets and frayed wires. If you do find a minor problem, and you want to make a repair, be sure you use the right materials, like real electrician's tape.  In following years, such repairs must be inspected with special care. Even the best repairs, made with good electrician's tape may dry out and loosen over time. Some in fact, would advise that even slightly damaged light strings must be discarded immediately. All lights should be securely fastened to the tree, and no bulbs should come in contact with needles or branches. Do not overload extension cords, and do not connect more than three sets of lights to one cord. Outlets should be readily accessible for quick disconnection if necessary. Once the lights are on the tree, always replace burnt out bulbs promptly. Never remove a dead bulb and leave an empty socket! This is not only a fire hazard, but can be trouble for young and curious children. It is far better to leave a dead bulb in place until you have a good one available. Never leave the tree lights on overnight or if there is nobody at home. If something does go wrong, there must be someone there and available to take the necessary action.

Some would advise you to keep a pale of water handy, just in case the tree does catch fire. The problem with this is that if you throw water on a burning tree, and the lights are on, an electric shock is a real danger, and of course, in this situation, there is no time to disconnect the lights. It is much better to have a fire extinguisher, rated for putting out electrical fires, at the ready. Certainly lit candles must never be used! In times past they were of course the only way to Illuminate a Christmas tree, but with modern electric lights, some of which simulate lit candles remarkably well, open flames near the tree are totally needless!

Now come the decorations. If there young children or pets in the home, or who will be visiting during the Holidays, care must be taken that only nontoxic, unbreakable ornaments which can not be swallowed, are put on the lower branches that are within reach of a youngster, cat or dog. Every year many children are treated for cuts from broken ornaments, or from swallowing broken pieces and small parts. If you must stand on something to put decorations on the higher branches, be sure to use something designed for that purpose, like a step stool or a step ladder. When working up high, always move slowly, so you keep your balance. Also, don't over-reach. It is much better to get down, and move your step stool or a step ladder, and get back up, than in is to risk a nasty fall. The emergency ward is no place to spend Christmas.

What sort of decorations to put on the tree is a consideration. Although most people go for the traditional look, with a wide assortment of ornaments and colors, some go for a tree with a specific theme. A theme can be anything, a particular color scheme, dolls of the world, boats, musical instruments, trains, angels, anything at all. Ones imagination is the only limit! Of course, don't forget those edible delights, those popcorn balls, candy canes, gingerbread men and the like!

Hopefully, these hints and suggestions will make your enjoyment of the focal point of this most joyous festival, easier and safer. In short, be careful and have fun! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Paul Manning